2 Skycoasters?

Although ive never been there, fter looking at the Morey's Piers Site I have a question. I remember a rule that there could not be 2 skycoasters within so many miles of eachother. Are there two at Morey's? And if so, does the rule no longer apply?

If that rule did exist (I've never heard about it), I'm sure that it only applies on the park level... I doubt that the manufacturer would refuse selling more than one Skycoaster to the same park (Morey's Piers are run by a single organization). Such contracts are usually signed by the park to ensure that similar rides aren't introduced nearby within a few years of opening.

If I remember correctly, the skycoaster people contract with parks. The contracts often call for not building another sky coaster for a certain distance, or in some cases for not building one over a certain height within a certain distance. That way a park can be guaranteed of saying that they have the biggest sky coaster in the region.

Building a second sky coaster at a park would only be a problem if it conflicted with the contract at another park. Obviously Morey's would be happy to modify their contract for a second skycoaster if they wanted one.

I seem to remember that the Skycoaster people maintain a hand in the operation of the Skycoasters. I'm not sure how it works, or even if it is consistant from park to park.

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Jim Fisher said:I seem to remember that the Skycoaster people maintain a hand in the operation of the Skycoasters. I'm not sure how it works, or even if it is consistant from park to park.

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That's true! SkyFun Corporation (Skycoaster people) has a certification process for site controllers (the person in charge of the attraction at any given time). After they pass, they must carry a small certification card with them at all times. It also has to be renewed annually I believe.

I wouldn't think that would be true, although it may be. There's 2 Skycoasters in Arlington (1 at SFOT, 1 at Hurricane Harbor across the street). There's also one 30 minutes away at Fair Park (State Fair, only operates for 3.5 weeks out of the year), and yet another at Zero Gravity.

Don't they also take a small cut of what the ride makes?

Actually, here is the information:

http://www.thrilltime.com/ir/

The Company provides at least 25 hours of on-site training on safety, operations, maintenance, and inspections after installation of each Skycoaster.® The Company tests and certifies ride operators prior to allowing a buyer to operate a Skycoaster.®

When the Company sells its attractions, it enters into a license agreement with the buyer for the operation of the attraction and the use of the accompanying trademarks. The Company receives the initial sales price, and also receives on-going cash flow from participation in royalties, joint venture revenue, merchandising, and video/photography opportunities. The Company also receives revenue from the sale of replacement parts for its attractions. The Company may also enter into advertising arrangements that provide revenue sharing incentives with each participating park.

The correct reason to why Morey's has 2 skycoasters has nothing to do with any of the above. Up Up and Away Amusements, which purchased 3 110 ft. models in the 90's, placed 1 at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, 1 at Morey's Wild Wheels, and 1 in storage in Chicago.

The lease was up after the 1997 season at the Steel Pier, so Up Up and Away relocated that model and placed it on Morey's Pier. Both enjoyed many profitable seasons together, and continue to coexist with newer pay attractions into this season. Many guests ride one, than do the other for no reason except they love the thrill.

Morey's pay no royalties to SkyFun, and why should they? Sportland Pier offered to give Up Up and Away free rent to erect the former Steel Pier unit before it went up at Morey's. However, everyone in Wildwood visits Morey's Piers, so why go anywhere else? You have ot be where the action is.

It all comes down to what the contracts say.

What is really odd is that I have ridden both of Morey's Skycoasters and despite the fact they are less than a mile apart, each seems to offer a completely different experience. I am not sure why, but it is interesting...